Spotted Dichomeris Moth
Common NameSpotted Dichomeris Moth
Scientific NameDichomeris punctipennella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyDichomeridinae
Wingspan (mm)11.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorstan, light brown, dark brown
HabitatForests, woodlands, shrublands, and areas with its woody host plants.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, and west to Texas and Manitoba.
Host PlantsPrunus, Crataegus, Malus, Rosa, Rubus, Quercus, Salix, Betula, Ulmus, Acer
Flight PeriodMay to June and July to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf-rollers on various woody plants, pupating within the rolled leaf. The species typically has two generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size (10-13mm wingspan), pale tan/brown forewings with scattered dark spots and lines, and its characteristic slender resting posture with wings folded tightly over the body.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale tan to light brown forewings marked with scattered dark brown spots and lines, often with a slightly raised scale tuft.
